Matthews, a second-round pick last month, previously had been working almost exclusively with the No. 2 offense, developing great chemistry with veteran backup quarterback Mark Sanchez.

If Matthews can contribute as a rookie, he’ll beef up considerably a depth chart that hopes to thrive without DeSean Jackson. Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin both re-signed prior to become free agents, but Maclin is under contract only for a year. Matthews could make Maclin a luxury that the Eagles don’t need.

That said, there’s a long way to go until Matthews lines up across from an NFL-caliber defensive back in a game that counts. When that happens, we’ll all know whether Matthews or any other rookie receivers can become the exception to the rule that it takes at least a year or two to find a groove at the wideout position.

obviously early and wr’s typically take awhile to catch on to the system. however, very hard worker, with a lot of size on a team that let go of two starting wr’s so anything is possible. It won’t be for lack of effort.

I swear he’s been the most hyped second round pick in theadt decade for the eagles… With all the press he gets you would think he was Sammy Watkins or mike Evans… Hope he’s the real deal

Youknowimright says:Jun 18, 2014 10:08 PM

The bubble screen boy will struggle in the nfl. Not that fast or strong. He will struggle to get off of press coverage and won’t be able to run past anyone. Outside of the bubble screen which was his prominent pass route at vandy, he will have to win alot of 50/50 balls. He may not be strong enougg to compete at this level. Chip kelly back to school in 2015.

“… or any other rookie receivers can become the exception to the rule that it takes at least a year or two to find a groove at the wideout position.”

Keenan Allen disagrees with you.

Youknowimright says:Jun 19, 2014 4:06 AM

I’m in your heads Philly. You love to give me the thumbs down, but when it is all said and done you know I’m right.

myeaglescantwin says:Jun 19, 2014 6:07 AM

6’3 and runs a 4.45
215 lbs and benches 225 X 21

That’s one of the better 40 ‘ s at this year’s combine and his bench numbers are higher than most WR and better than some DL and LBs.
Your accusations of him being weak and slow have no ground

Dude will be find.

mjposner says:Jun 19, 2014 7:33 AM

Philly is screwed if Foles gets hurt…Sanchez could surprise if the Eagles can do to him what they did to Foles.

Only one starter was lost, Avant was already second string and out of favor last year, plus one starter came back. No sayng Maclin replaces Jackson, but he brings 80%, so if Matthews and/or Huff can get 20%, then same as last year, now add Sproles and a 2nd year Ertz and bam. Still 10-6 or 9-7, win the weak East, and lose in the 2nd round.

No, philly was lucky that vick got hurt. The cutting edge mastermind, chip kelly, didn’t even know that foles was better at the offense than vick. If you watched the preseason you knew foles ran it better. Talent evaluation is suspect.

Trust me noles matthews went in rd two for a reason. 6’3″ slot receiver for a reason. Cant get off the press coverage. You will see. You know I’m right.

Ah, so Chippah will make a star out of 6′ 3″ slot receiver. Sounds good to me. That’s gonna be fun to watch. Don’t worry, the coaches will figure out what Matthews does well and what he needs to work on, then get some plays going for him that allow him to more than succeed….

So, in the SEC, with no other stars on the team, a target on his back EVERY GAME, this guy made it work, and improved every year. No one is a flat-out lock to succeed in the NFL, necessarily, but I, for one, “would” expect him to do the same in the NFL. And, guess what? YOU KNOW I AM @_#)(*@)_(*@ RIGHT!

He’s just a first year player -with better instinct and work habits than most starters in the league. He’s gonna fock up, sure, make some mistakes and make some plays. He’s going to work until it’s just ‘makes plays.’ That might take a couple seasons but he’s a threat on day one.

It appears he is more than we expected. Kelly doesn’t move rookies up unless he sees something in them. By the way posters, he is not as slow as made out to be. Most don’t know his true 40, proven after workouts. Jerry Rice wasn’t a burner. Stay tuned Eagle Fans.

Youknowimright says:Jun 20, 2014 2:47 PM

Honored by the name change but you know I’m right. This kid is not that good. Eagle hype machine at work again.

Youknowimright says:Jun 20, 2014 3:13 PM

Kelly doesn’t move rookies up unless he sees something in them.

Are you serious. He has been here one yr. You have no idea what he does. He played earl wolfe last yr and he is terrible. This kid is no jerry rice. Outside of being related there is no comparison. Propaganda eating fans livin in philly.